Choosing a Brain Surgery Team: 5 Questions to Ask

The prospect of having brain surgery is a frightening, stressful, and overwhelming experience. Dealing with all the emotions that come with such a major procedure oftentimes takes precedence over the “who, what and where’s” of the surgery. Most patients are not adequately informed to handle these particulars, and often assume there is little difference between one surgeon and another, or between one hospital and the other.

That is not always the case. In fact, there can be significant differences between surgeons and their teams, as well as facilities and follow-up care – all of which can affect the surgery’s ultimate success. Here are five questions to ask if you’ve been told that you’re a candidate for brain surgery:

1. Does the surgeon specialize in your condition?

Like many other physician categories, brain surgery is a highly focused practice. Finding a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery is a step in the right direction. Beyond this, it’s advisable to seek a surgeon who specializes in treating your specific condition. For example, a neurosurgeon who specializes in microvascular procedures may have more experience in surgeries involving aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, or abnormal collections of blood vessels.

2. What is the surgeon’s short- and long-term plan for you?

Try to get as many details as possible about your brain surgery, such as how to prepare for operation day; what will be done during the surgery; who are the other providers involved during and after the procedure; what can be expected in regards to long-term outcomes and care; and if there are any support groups available. You should also consider asking whether or not you can contact previous patients who’ve gone through similar surgeries, as references. The surgeon’s answers may also give you clues about his or her level of experience.

3. Does the surgeon work with a regular team of specialists/physicians?

In addition to the surgeon, there should be several other people on your team, which may include neuro oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, radiation oncologists, anesthesiologists, and physical therapists. Keep in mind that not all teams are the same. In addition to knowing who is on your team, ask whether or not they all meet on a regular basis and how often they work together. You want to be sure you have a collaborative team that treats patients together regularly.

4. Is the team part of a specialized center that is relevant to your condition?

Despite what most people may think, the level of care and expertise at even major hospitals can vary significantly. Some may have special centers recognized for exceptional patient care in certain health categories, such as stroke, spine disorders, or brain aneurysms. For example, my team at the Cedars-Sinai Brain Tumor Center gets together every Wednesday for a brain tumor board to review complex cases. Having your surgery at a medical center that is known for your particular condition or procedure may increase the likelihood of a successful surgery. If you are at one hospital and want to have your procedure done by another surgeon at a different hospital, you can request to be transferred.

5. Who is your primary medical contact after surgery?

Surgery does not end once you leave the operating room. In fact, having a well-qualified team in place for post-operative care is crucial. It’s imperative to know what steps need to be taken after the brain surgery. What appointments do you need to have lined up? Who can you call if you have any questions or unanticipated post-operative issues? A good brain surgeon and surgical team will have all these details in place well before the day of your operation.